Statement from University of Hawaii President David McClain on the passing of Aunty Genoa Keawe

"On behalf of the University of Hawaiʻi community, I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Aunty Genoa Keawe. Aunty Genoa contributed to the perpetuation of Hawaiʻi‘s music and culture, both as a tireless performer and dedicated teacher and mentor. The University of Hawaiʻi was privileged to have her be a part of the UH family by sharing her knowledge and talents with our students, particularly as an instructor in ʻukulele workshops as part of the Windward Community College Hawaiʻi Music Institute. In honor of her contributions to the university, her national stature and musical achievements, the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents unanimously approved the conferral of an honorary degree to Aunty Genoa, which was bestowed upon her at Windward Community College‘s spring commencement exercises in 2005. In 2006, she was honored with the UH Alumni Association‘s UH Founders Lifetime Achievement Award.

"The University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana was truly honored to count her amongst its members as a friend and supporter, and especially as an educator. Her talent and her music were an inspiration to us all, and though we are saddened by her passing, we are grateful to know that her spirit will live on through her music and through the lives of our students whom she has touched and inspired."